Law Updates

The Central Government has formally notified the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Target Rules, 2025, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules establish clear emission intensity targets for responsible entities as part of India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. The targets, defined in terms of tCO2e per product output, aim to regulate and minimize greenhouse gas emissions in line with national sustainability goals.

Under the new framework, entities will have to achieve annual emission targets, register under the Indian Carbon Market Portal, and submit compliance documents. Entities achieving lower emissions will receive carbon credit certificates, while entities failing to fulfill the targets will have to purchase additional credits to make up for their loss. Non-compliance will attract environmental compensation, calculated as twice the average trading price of carbon credits for that year.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency will issue credits and monitor performance, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will impose penalties for violations. These regulations reinforce India's commitment to a low-carbon economy through a market-based regulatory approach.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed significant changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, aimed at enhancing the safety of food contact materials. The draft, titled Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2025, calls for a ban on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in food packaging production.

Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate and epoxy resins in food contact materials must no longer contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or its derivatives. Both PFAs and BPA have been linked with serious health concerns such as hormonal imbalances and long-term health risks.

This step by FSSAI signifies a shift towards implementing globally accepted safety standards and science-based risk assessments in food packaging.

The draft regulation is now open for public comments or objections for 60 days from the date of its Gazette publication. FSSAI encourages all stakeholders, industry members, and consumers to participate by submitting their feedback, which will be reviewed prior to finalizing the amendments.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) have issued a circular emphasizing strict compliance with the Drugs Rules, 1945, for testing raw materials and finished formulations. Recent child deaths in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups, highlighted concerns about medicine quality.

Inspections revealed that some pharmaceutical manufacturers fail to test each batch of excipients, active, and inactive ingredients before production. The Drugs Rules, including rule 74(c) and rule 78(c)(ii), require licensees to test all raw materials and finished products in their own or approved laboratories. 

Manufacturers must maintain proper records as per Schedule U. State and UT Drug Controllers are instructed to monitor compliance through inspections, issue circulars, and ensure manufacturers follow robust vendor qualification systems. Only reliable, approved suppliers should provide raw materials and excipients. This measure ensures the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines, prevents the distribution of substandard drugs, and protects public health. Compliance and vigilant monitoring are critical to maintaining pharmaceutical standards nationwide.

The Jute Commissioner, Moloy Chandan Chakrabortty, has issued a directive under the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2016, limiting the quantity of raw jute that traders can hold. Traders must ensure their stock does not exceed the specified limits for their category. Any excess raw jute must be sold within fifteen days and delivered to the consignee by 20th October 2025. Traders are required to submit compliance reports with supporting documents via email immediately.

Weekly stock updates must be submitted every Friday on the Jute SMART portal. Stocks held in a single premise under different names will be treated as one, unless separate documentation proves otherwise. Stocks contracted for sale remain with the seller until physically delivered.

Non-compliance may lead to penalties, including imprisonment and fines under the Jute Order, 2016, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Authorized officials may inspect premises, verify stock declarations, and seize jute held in violation of this Order. This directive takes immediate effect and remains valid until further notice.

The Central Government has announced new guidelines for the importation of horses and other equidae into India, as per the Livestock Importation Act of 1898. This new directive replaces the previous notice dated October 5, 2012, except for any actions that were taken before this update. 

All horses being imported must possess a valid passport or a comprehensive history sheet, in addition to an identification certificate verified by an official veterinarian from the country of export. Thoroughbred horses can now only be imported for breeding, polo, or sporting activities and are not allowed to participate in racing.

Horses are required to undergo quarantine testing for certain diseases prior to export. Importation is only permitted through specific international airports, which include Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, as well as any other airports designated by the Central Government. Importers are obligated to present test results and veterinary health certificates to the Regional or Quarantine Officer at least seven days prior to shipment and must acquire a no-objection certificate. Disembarkation is permitted only after receiving the original certificate.

Furthermore, all horses must possess a veterinary health certificate in English, issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian from the exporting nation, verifying a physical examination in accordance with Form A.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released a draft notification on 3rd October 2025. The notification proposes exempting Common Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities (CMSWMF) from the requirement to obtain prior Environmental Clearance (EC) under the EIA Notification 2006. CMSWMF are important facilities that handle solid waste and help protect the environment. They prevent pollution of soil, water, and air while promoting safe waste treatment. These facilities also support the circular economy by converting waste into useful products, such as compost, energy, and recycled raw materials. Currently, such projects are already regulated under strong environmental laws like the Water Act, 1974, and the Air Act, 1981. The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitor, inspect, and enforce compliance. 

The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, also provide detailed criteria for site selection and operations. The CPCB has further classified these facilities under the “blue category” industries that provide essential environmental services. To encourage these services, CPCB has also granted benefits such as extended validity for consent to operate. With this draft notification, MoEFCC aims to remove the duplication of clearances and speed up the establishment of waste management facilities. However, strict environmental safeguards will continue under SPCB and CPCB monitoring. This step supports sustainable development, strengthens solid waste management in India, and ensures faster growth of eco-friendly infrastructure without reducing environmental protection.